Housing for Indigenous students

Who can live in SIRCAAQ housing?

These living environments are intended for First Nations members and Inuit who are post-secondary or mature students, and their spouse and children (immediate family). They must be enrolled in Adult General Education (AGE), vocational training (VT), CEGEP (ACS/DCS) or university.

A student can move in with extended family members (e.g. sister, mother, cousin). Such applications will be assessed according to the adult student’s household but will not necessarily be prioritized in the selection process, as compared to other household types.

 

Housing allocation: A rigorous and fair process

The SIRCAAQ applies a clear policy to ensure housing applications are processed fairly. A selection committee analyzes each application based on an allocation process approved by the Société d’habitation du Québec.

Housing is allocated according to several criteria. The first is First Nations or Inuit member status and the second is being a mature student enrolled in a post-secondary program. The application is then assessed according to the applicant’s income, family situation, quality of their expected contribution to community life, place of origin and requests’ order of arrival.

What benefits does the living environment offer me?

SIRCAAQ’s living environments offer many benefits, including affordable housing, community facilities, support services and a valued cultural anchor.

 

First, a fully furnished and affordable home

The rent is affordable and, more importantly, below the median rent for the area. The rent amount also varies with the tenant’s family situation and income.

Additional assistance (Rent Supplement Program, or RSP) is also available if applicants meet specific criteria. Additional amounts may be added to cover electricity, parking and Internet costs. For more information and real-life examples, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

All apartments are furnished with appliances (stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, microwave oven), kitchen and living room furniture, bedroom furniture (bed base, dresser and chest of drawers – bedding and mattress are the tenant’s responsibility), equipment (cutlery, glassware, dishes, first aid kit, shower curtain, curtains). Electricity, heating and unlimited Internet service are also provided.

Tenants may not bring their own furniture, but decorations and small pieces of complementary furniture are accepted, with the SIRCAAQ’s agreement.

 

Second, community facilities and support services

The SIRCAAQ living environment recreates a community setting: the facilities include child and family services, such as a early childcare centre and a 4-year old kindergarten (Trois-Rivières), as well as health, social and school support services.

The selection of community activities includes job coaching and retention, training, shared kitchens, recreational activities and outdoor play areas. Collaborative work areas and a multipurpose room are also available.

 

Third, significant cultural anchoring

Housing is critical to the social health of Indigenous populations. It is important to have places that not only allow students to settle, but that also recreate living environments where they and their families can thrive.

The infrastructure itself is designed to harmonize with nature. The facilities allow for indoor and outdoor cultural activities. The safe, community environment fosters mutual aid, sharing and tranquility.

For more information

Though the Québec City and Chibougamau living environments are still under development, you can already consult the Sept-Îles and Trois-Rivières web pages to learn more about the specific features of these two living environments.

More information can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Ready to apply for housing in one of our living environments?